Putting on glasses for the first time can be a daunting experience for a child. Eyewear is such a significant addition to a child’s appearance, which is why it’s so important to choose the right glasses for your child so that they feel comfortable with their new look.
Finding the best fit
Let’s break down some of the key things to think about when buying glasses for your child:
Style
If children like the look of their glasses, they’re more likely to want to wear them. Luckily, these days there are plenty of options to choose from. Designs are colourful, creative and quirky so that children can have fun expressing their gorgeous personalities. For the mini-me’s out there, there are many frames that are inspired by adult designs too!
Fit
While kids tend to prioritise colour and design over comfort, it’s important to realise that children’s faces are different from adults – they have smaller noses, and a shorter distance from the front of the face to the ear. A frame with a built-up nose bridge is important so that the lenses sit correctly to cover the entire eye.
Material
Children’s frames are commonly made of either plastic or metal. Plastic has been a popular choice due to its durability, lighter weight and lower likelihood to bend out of shape. However plastic frames can be trickier to fit due to moulded nose bridges and solid temples. Metal frames offer the benefit of adjustable nose pads and temples making it easier to shape to any child.
Polycarbonate lenses are most commonly recommended for children’s glasses due to their high impact-resistance (win!), lightweight qualities and UV protection.
Durability
Is your child hard on their glasses? Fortunately, many designs now incorporate spring hinges, allowing the temples to flex outward without damaging the frames. For even more durability, think about tough, flexible materials such as stainless steel and titanium.
Ask one of our optometrists about their kids’ eyewear collections, and be sure to book your child in with an eye test before they start school.
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